← All questionsGS2 · 2026 · Polity ·Women’s Reservation
QUESTION 2
GS2
10 marks

“Women as a class neither belong to a minority group nor are they regarded as forming a backward class.” In the light of this statement, discuss the evolution of women’s reservation from local bodies to Parliament.

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7 min
150 words
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What the examiner wants

Trace the distinct constitutional-political logic of gender representation from local bodies to legislatures.

DiscussExplain the different sides of the issue, use evidence, and finish with a balanced view.

Demand-wise check

  1. 1Explain why women’s reservation rests on representation/equality rather than minority/backward-class classification≈35 words
  2. 2Trace the local-body stage and its constitutional design≈35 words
  3. 3Move to Parliament/state legislatures and note the later design/implementation evolution≈35 words

Open in about 20 words and close in about 20.

Answer plan

Representation rationaleLocal bodiesLessons/evolutionParliament/state legislaturesSignificance

Where marks usually go

  • Treating women as a constitutionally defined backward class
  • Skipping the local-body stage and jumping directly to parliamentary reservation

Value addition

  • Timeline from Panchayat/Municipality reservation to legislatures
    → Draw it in the body, next to the point it supports.

Verified value additions

These are verified official-source additions selected for this exact PYQ. Use only the point that strengthens your argument.